Life Cycle of a Star

Front

What is the life cycle of a star?

Back

The life cycle of a star includes several stages: formation from a nebula, main sequence, red giant or supergiant phase, and ending in a supernova, neutron star, or black hole depending on the mass.

Front

What determines the life span of a star?

Back

The mass of the star determines its life span; more massive stars burn their fuel faster and have shorter life spans.

Front

What is a red giant star?

Back

A red giant star is a late stage in the life cycle of a star, characterized by expansion and cooling after the hydrogen in its core is exhausted.

Front

What happens to a massive star at the end of its life cycle?

Back

At the end of its life cycle, a massive star may explode in a supernova and can leave behind a black hole.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life cycle, resulting from the rapid collapse of the star's core.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

Front

What is the significance of iron (Fe) in the life cycle of a star?

Back

Iron (Fe) is one of the heaviest elements produced in a red giant star and signifies the end of fusion processes in massive stars.

Front

What occurs during the red giant phase of a star?

Back

During the red giant phase, a star expands and cools as it exhausts hydrogen in its core, leading to the fusion of heavier elements.

Front

What triggers a supernova in a high mass star?

Back

The collapse of the core of a high mass star triggers a supernova, leading to an explosive release of energy.

Front

What is the relationship between a supernova and the formation of a neutron star?

Back

A supernova can result in the formation of a neutron star if the remaining core after the explosion is between 1.4 and 3 solar masses.